shoe sizes

dheel · 12th April 2003, 03:03

What's up with women's shoe sizes? I wear a US10W in men's, and I have now ordered 3 pairs of women's size 12 shoes from different stores that are too big. But I have another pair of 12's that fit perfectly, and another that are a little small. On two occasions I have tried 11's and they were too small, and I have some 10-1/2's from Nine West that fit fine. It's frustrating, because I don't have the self-confidence to try on shoes in the store - I have to order online. So picking the size is always a guess - and if I'm wrong, it's more time and money for shipping. Has anyone else had trouble with this?

Laurieheels · 12th April 2003, 05:39

Shoe sizes are a mystery. Personally, I think companies use real women as models.

"What size are you?"

Woman (trying not to seem like she has large feet) "Why, U.S. 8 of course!" (She's actually 9.5)

Thus, company A makes shoes too large.

Company B, on the other hand, tries to compensate for this.

Woman #2 "I am a 9, I know it." (Woman is honest)

Thus, company B, thinking that things will be like company A's research, labels size 9 as a 10, and then, they make shoes too small.

Okay, far fetched. But it does seem like every company has their own scale for deciding how long a foot is of a given size. And conversion tables differ all over the place.

They only thing you can do is try a brand, and when you find a good sizing, stick with that brand until you buy everything they offer that you like.

I know that Jante is great for me if I order women's 11, even though I should be a 10, or 10.5 (yes, I am a slightly taller girl and I have long feet, so what?)
But of course, I have UK sized shoes and boots, my favourite boots being 41, but some shoes are 42, and I have one pair listed as 40, but I think 40.5 UK would have been a bit better.

Live and learn, and stick with the companies you know fit you. That is all you can do until heel wearing is more diverse among the genders.

jo · 12th April 2003, 07:34

The shoe width vs your foot width is also an important factor. If the shoe is wider you will be able to fit a smaller size. If it is narrow or pointed, you'll generally need a bigger size.

jim · 12th April 2003, 17:58

Shoe sizing,now there's a bone of contention!
"Doc Shoe" has talked about this subject in depth but Laurie's summed it up for sure.
I think the best way is to try the shoe before you buy.That way you are assured the style of shoe suits and they are a correct fit.If you are unsure,the sales girls will generally steer you in the right direction. Besides,shopping for shoes in person is great fun.. :D

jim

Yamyam · 13th April 2003, 10:04

I find sizes quite variable. I have some pairs marked as UK8 and some as UK9. And the Euro<->UK size translation is all over the place!

So I try them on and see. It's much more fun and I haven't bought a pair that doesn't fit for ages!

squirrelheels · 13th April 2003, 17:13

Indeed...! I wish I'd done that with those Mary Janes from Jonathan James yesterday! Ah well!

SH

BobHH · 13th April 2003, 22:54

My limited ventures in that direction seem to indicate that shoes made in China (PRC) are about a size larger than the label would indicate, when compared to U.S. made shoes.

squirrelheels · 17th April 2003, 02:28

I find that even within the same brand, sizes can still vary. For instance, my 5in loafers and 4in knee boots are made by the same manufacture, both are the same size (8UK), but oddly enough the 4in knee boots are just a tiny bit too small that they end up making my toes hurt, but my 5in loafers are absolutely fine.

Looks like there's no pattern to it at all I'm afraid

SH

HeelHolgi · 17th April 2003, 02:48

Shoesizes are very variuos!

Normaly I wear EU 43 (= UK 9 = US F 12 = US M 10, like the most sizecharts!).

In my closet I´ve some EU 42-44, UK 8-10 and US F 11-13 :o

All my shoes fit nearly perfect (some are a little bit to small or to big, but they fit!), and I don´t know which size would fit from the next brand!?

Normaly I order one, and if it not fits, I´d send it back (mostly without any problems!).

The best choice is, buying in a shop near home. I could try it on, before buy them.

I´ve done this way many times, no problems.

HeelHolgi
________________
If you like it, do it!

squirrelheels · 17th April 2003, 02:52

Absolutely - the only sure fire way of getting the right size is to try them on! I've learnt this lesson the hard way!

SH